I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). What was Paul, the great teacher of salvation by faith alone, talking about here? What point was he making?

When Paul was speaking in this passage he was at this point reflection
on his life. He realized where he had come from , and where he was now
and the things he endured for his faith. He knew that he poured
everything into serving the Lord Jesus and he could look back
confidently and know that this was the case.

What he is saying is that he hung in there, he did not give up. He is
not exalting is own accomplishment but recognized that it was a faith
accomplishment that God lead him through.

The Bible, in numerous places, compares the life of faith with some sort of athletic endeavor. Read the following texts (1 Cor. 9:24–27, Phil. 3:12–14, 2 Tim. 2:3–5). What basic point are they making, and how have you experienced the meaning of these texts yourself?


In the first passage we must understand the determination that
athletes put into their training. They do this training to obtain
a prize which is temporary. Christians should be just as diligent
to obtain a crown which is eternal. But we must recognized that
we must die to self daily so that we don't become lost after we
have helped others be saved.

The second passage talks about pressing , its about continually
moving forward with Christ. No matter what happens we must develop
this type of mentality , letting nothing stop us and letting
nothing deter us. As the the athlete presses forward to win a
prize we must continue to press forward after Christ.

In the third passage that we must seek to run this Christian race
by God's rules. If we refuse to do so just like in any other
race will we be disqualified. God wants us to be obedient to him
and to trust Him and have faith in Him that is the only way we
will make it.

These principles apply to both spiritual and physical fitness. To be spiritually fit, we need to focus on Jesus. We need to read His Word, pray, and meditate. There are so many things that distract our attention. These may include good and noble causes—our work, studies, or even church activities. But we need to cast off the activities and distractions that keep us from growing in grace and prioritize our goals if we are going to finish strong


Prayer: Father help us to honor you in all that we do help us to trust you with our entire beings including our bodies. Thank you for all that you have done in Jesus name amen.